The Eden Magazine August 2024

YOUR FREQUENCY HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS

by Selina Maitreya

The Powerhouse of Art and Culture

MEET OUR TEAM

Maryam Morrison

Dina Morrone

Alexia Melocchi

Brad wallace

Lisa Joy Walton

JSquared Photography @j2pix

Nikki Pattillo

Artin Mardirosian

Sheri Determan

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Greg Doherty

Ben Rollins

Joe Santos, Jr.

Philip Smith

Edward Hakopian

Susanna Schroadter

Jan Wakefiled Zee

Emilie Macas

Polly Wirum

Sherri Cortland

Benjamin D.Buren

EDEN

Since 2010

The Eden Magazine is a free online publication is your guide to healthy living, spiritual awareness, compassion and love for all living beings, holistic lifestyle, mindfulness, organic living, positive thinking, sustainability, and personal development

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Maryam Morrison

Executive Editor/Contributing Writer

Dina Morrone

Communication Director/Contributing Writer

Alexia Melocchi

Contributing Writers

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Susanna Schroadter

Emilie Macas

Jan Wakefiled

Joe Santos, Jr.

Sherri Cortland

Nikki Pattillo

Polly Wirum zee

Guest Writer

Philip Smith

Contributing Stylists + Makeup Artist

Edward Hakopian

Lisa Joy Walton

Graphics & Photography

JSquared Photography @j2pix (Los Angeles)

Artin Mardirosian (Nexision) (Los Angeles)

Benjamin D. Buren – AliveStudios.Com (Denver, SanFrancisco, Boston)

Sheri Determan (Los Angeles)

Greg Doherty (Los Vegas)

Ben Rollins (Atlanta) Isabelle Ruen (Los Vegas)

Web developer Brad wallace https://bradwallacedesign.com/

325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209

To purchase a copy, visit us at www.theedenmagazine.com

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THE LAND OF VIKING CRACKED ME OPEN! by

Dulce Garcia-Morman

64 A HUMAN LANDSCAPE CONNECTION by Zee

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MONTANA MOSAIC A JOURNEY THROUGH GLACIER, FAMILY, & FRONTIER TOWN by Jan Wakefiled

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BIOFIELD SCIENCE THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN WESTERN MEDICINE by Eric

Leskowitz

MD

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“FREEDOM HAIR” AN INTERVIEW WITH DIANNE HOUSTON, A FILM BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF MELONY ARMSTRONG

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HOW TO MOW YOUR LAWN LESS DURING THE SUMMER by Sod Solution

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ANCIENT CELTS by Ellen Evert Hopman

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CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH THE POWER OF BLUEBERRIES by Grace O

JSquared Photography @j2pix 64 58

68 74 78 96 82

Designed by Artin Mardirosian (Nexision)

Higher Consciousness YOUR FREQUENCY

by Selina Maitreya

Your History: A Recap

You were born seeded with the high-frequency energy of your creator that I refer to as love, as Oneness, as higher consciousness, as your intuitive body. This vibration is the purest form of abundance, and it was activated in physical form with your first breath.

At that moment, all you knew was love, and in that frequency, anything was possible, as Oneness was your totality. You had no history of pain in your body, as your personality and history had yet to develop.

The moment you took your first breath was perhaps also the last time you totally experienced the full abundance that is your natural inheritance. For as you came into the physical world, a whole new paradigm of existence awaited you, one that was the antithesis of the divinity of which you are an expression.

In addition to being endowed with the vibration of love, you were also given the gift of free will. In its purest sense, free will can be simply defined as the ability to say no to the high frequency of love that was gifted to you.

This is where your life began, with all possibilities in front of you and the opportunity to say no to any or all of them. Paradox in its truest form, you were and are an expression of divinity and the physicality of the planet you were birthed upon.

As a result of this paradoxical reality, you had the opportunity to choose your state in each and every moment as you moved from being an infant to a child to an adult. This choice was unknown to you then and still may be undiscovered, yet it is your greatest

freedom. It is also what has kept you from manifesting an extraordinary life.

As exchanges and events happened in your life, as chaos appeared, you had the opportunity to choose your response in each moment.

Your personal frequency shifted as a reflection of your choices. When you chose a loving reply to the chaos that appeared, you created your next moment from that energy. When you chose to leave your highest wisdom behind, and you responded from your lower frequencies of anger, jealousy, and frustration, you moved farther and farther from your light and created experiences that reflected the chaos you were buried inside of.

Your life up to now, and your experience of peace or lack of it, is the result of all of your choices.

Had you known from an early age that your life is directed by the frequency of the responses you choose, and had you had the tools to do so, you most certainly would have chosen a positive response to each and every piece of difficulty that landed in your lap. However, this information was not available to you. It was most likely not how your caretakers lived their lives, and certainly not what was delivered to you by your society.

Here is my gift to you: You were meant to live a life of abundance and peace. This is what I call an extraordinary life. The lack of this one critical piece of knowledge has led to years of unconscious behavior that has taken you away from the light that lives within you and from the rewarding life you were meant to live. Please read that again.

You were meant to live a life of abundance and peace.

During your lifetime, not knowing that you had this type of choice of response to the difficulties that arose and not being aware that your choices always add up to the vibration of abundance you are able to experience, you often responded from the same frequency of what was delivered to you.

When you experienced kindness, you responded in kind, and when you experienced difficulty, you were difficult back, which closed the door to your highest wisdom. You had no way of knowing that chaos can be answered with love. You never knew that difficulty is a part of the process of experiencing abundance and that pain can be a transformational tool.

I’m here to tell you now that all of the difficulties you experience are transformational tools. Challenges are not “something that just happens,” and irritations are not random. They are all purposeful, as each disruption is meant to be your alarm clock, an opportunity for you to remember who you truly are, each a doorway back to Oneness.

Difficulties and pain can be utilized as a reminder of the choice that you have to reactivate the frequency of love provided to you when you entered your body at birth.

But pain, for most humans, is not a device for increased consciousness. It has become a landing pad, not an alert system. It has become the endpoint, and the opportunity to use each difficulty as a transformational tool has been all but lost.

For so many beings, and most likely for you, pain is in itself a destination. It’s a part of your life that you accept as “just what is.” Never questioned, it is something to avoid, to bury, to buy, sex, drink, eat, or drug your way

through or out of.

You would likely never think of chaos as helpful or as a tool that could take you to greater awareness, to deeper consciousness, to continual peace, and to the experience of love and connection with each and every being you encounter. But that is exactly its purpose in your life.

Chaos is here to remind you of who you truly are. You are love, a higher consciousness, in a physical body. Low-frequency events exist in order to provide you a doorway to your highest knowing, enabling you to choose to respond to all of your life from that sacred spot of love.

You are high-frequency energy that is placed inside of a physical body, and you have a choice every moment of your day to activate your higher consciousness as your response to any difficulty you experience or not. Please read that again—and again if you need to let its power sink in.

When you choose to respond to low-vibrational experiences from Oneness, you completely transmute the frequency of what has arrived in your life. You literally change dark to light, and you begin the journey of reclaiming your gift of peace, neutrality, and abundance.

Imagine what it will be like when you know how to use all of the irritations, difficulties, and challenges that appear in your life as opportunities to respond from love and as tools to build your muscles of tolerance and understanding.

Visualize how meaningful your world will be if what now appears as conflict is truly a moment to create more connection. Think about how peaceful your life will be when you choose to utilize difficulty rather than avoid it!

Selina Maitreya is a lecturer, author, and spiritual teacher. The creator of Clarion Call, an online conference of spiritual teachers, she is a founding member of the Manhattan Holistic Chamber of Commerce and a past board member of the Boston Theosophical Society. She lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. https://www.practicalspiritualitywithselina.com

OceanXplorers

In an exciting new series, National Geographic invites viewers to embark on a voyage of discovery with OceanXplorers, executive produced and narrated by James Cameron. Premiering on August 18, this groundbreaking series takes the audience aboard a state-of-the-art scientific research vessel, offering an unprecedented look into the depths of our oceans. Through cutting-edge technology and expert exploration, OceanXplorers promises to uncover the mysteries of the marine world, shedding light on its hidden ecosystems and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them. Join the adventure and witness the awe-inspiring journey of scientific discovery as National Geographic brings the wonders of the ocean to your screen.

“My true passion lies in deep ocean science and in exploration,” says Cameron. “In OceanXplorers, we take viewers on an unparalleled ocean science adventure, introducing them to a group of conscientious, passionate people on a sometimes dangerous mission of ocean discovery in real-time. We present the stakes and firsts and tell a visually spectacular and dramatic story. This story inspires the next generation of explorers and adventurers committed to protecting and preserving our oceans.”

OceanXplorer, which was purpose-built by the global science, media, and exploration nonprofit OceanX, is a technological mar-

vel with the power to explore the depths of the world’s oceans. The ship has two submersibles — Neptune and Nadir — which can dive to 1,000 meters, or 3,280 feet, for up to 72 hours. A helicopter is aboard alongside multiple marine science laboratories and a media studio that captures new science and real-time discoveries for the screen. The OceanXplorer is a full-scale research vessel that can span the Earth’s oceans and shed light on even the most inaccessible depths of the sea.

Aldo Kane, who spoke with The Eden Magazine in an exclusive interview, is featured throughout the series. He is an Ex-Royal Marine and Special Ops, who trained as Royal Marine Commando, where he became one of the youngest elite Commando snipers ever, and an expert in survival and operations in all environments.

ALDO Kane

Could you share some of your experiences as a Royal Marine and in special operations that have shaped your understanding of the ocean?  I joined the Royal Marines at the age of 16 and passed for duty as a Royal Marines Commando at the age of 17. This is the longest, hardest infantry training in the world and part of the UK’s Elite fighting forces.  I served as a Reconnaissance troop Sniper. The British Commandos are sea soldiers, and I spent a year at sea on HMS Fearless as Embarked Elite forces.  I became an expert at operating in and on the ocean.  I spent ten years serving operationally, and it was this time that shaped my knowledge and understanding of operating in highrisk, high-consequence maritime operations.

What drew you to join the series OceanXplorers?

I have been leading Expeditions all over the world for the last 30 years. From jungles and deserts to the high mountains and the ocean.  For the last 5 years, I have been almost exclusively involved in Scientific missions, collecting lava samples from erupting volcanoes and documenting melting glaciers and endangered species as they near extinction.  I was asked to join the OceanXplorer as Expedition Lead to help a team of scientists better un-

derstand the Atlantic Ocean. Outside of the adventure aspect of the Expeditions, I was drawn to the fact that what we were going to be filming was potentially a series with a huge reach, a series that would create an impact with a younger generation. My main reason for joining was to inspire and encourage the next generation of explorers, adventurers, and scientists to better understand and be drawn to the Ocean.

How do you think your military background influences your approach to exploration and discovery in the ocean?

My elite military background allowed me to lead with confidence on a dynamic and fast-paced mission.   The Ocean can be an incredibly high-risk environment with big consequences for mistakes; this is where I thrive and enjoy helping others to do so.  Living and working on a ship like the Ocean Xplorer requires a high level of people management and logistical skills with many intricate moving parts. On any one day, I could have submersibles down, Helicopters up, dive boat operations, and whale tagging going on at the same time. This requires a cool head, good decision-making under pressure, and courage.  This is how I approach Ocean exploration and everything in my life.

OceanXplorers Team

Melissa Cristina Márquez  – Shark Biologist

James Cameron

Eric Stackpole  – Ocean Technology Innovator

Orla Doherty

Pauline Gates

Zoleka Filander –National Geographic Explorer and Deep-Sea Researcher

In what ways do you hope this series will inspire viewers to engage more with the ocean and its preservation?  To conserve something, you have to be able to not just see the problem; you have to understand the problem and its gravity. That is exactly what the issue is with the ocean. It is very difficult to see just how bad the situation is without getting into it, under it, and on top of it.  Our mission allowed us to use the most cutting-edge scientific, filming, and exploration equipment to bring the most remote parts of the ocean right into people’s living rooms. I hope that it inspires the next generation of scientists, explorers, and communicators to pick up the gauntlet and help inspire more people. The ocean needs as much help as it can get, and the more people working to protect it, the better.

What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve had while filming for OceanXplorers?  We did three-month missions on the OceanXplorer between the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, the Azores, and all the way up to the far North, Svalbard.  I have a few stand-out memories from those expeditions.  The best, for several reasons, was freediving with Humpback whales off the coast of the Dominican Republic. I had spent the morning diving with about 6 whales and then came back on board to watch my first son being born on a WhatsApp call from the science lab. WOW! I also loved going down in the Submersibles, I managed to get down to 3000 feet and the sea bed. Working with the Norwegian

Polar Institute was also an excellent experience collaring Polar Bears.

How do you balance the thrill of exploration with the need to ensure safety, both for yourself and your team?

My job, primarily on any mission as Expedition Lead, requires me to be all about safety first and foremost. Exploration can be risky business, but it’s my job to reduce that to as safe a level as possible. This doesn’t mean that we don’t get to enjoy it, quite the opposite. When someone is across the safety, it means that everyone else can concentrate fully on their scientific or filming mission.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in underwater exploration, and how has it impacted your work on OceanXplorers?

Technology is the fundamental game changer in Ocean exploration. As human beings, we have been navigating the surface of the ocean for hundreds of years, but anything below has largely remained a mystery until very recently. We can now dive to the bottom of the deepest parts; we can map and survey the ocean floor like never before, sample and record the water column with incredible accuracy, and we can follow animals, detailing every move they make. Technology and the OceanXplorer have opened up a brand new era of Ocean exploration where nothing is too deep, too far, or unknown.  This is truly one of the most exciting times to be alive and involved in Oceanography and Marine sciences.

Outside of the adventure aspect of the Expeditions, I was drawn to the fact that what we were going to be filming was potentially a series with a huge reach, a series that would create an impact with a younger generation.

OCEANXPLORERS

is co-produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and OceanX for National Geographic. For Lightstorm Earth, James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm are executive producers. Roger Webb and Orla Doherty are executive producers for BBC Studios. Ray Dalio, Mark Dalio, Vincent Pieribone, and Joe Ruffolo are executive producers for OceanX. For National Geographic, Kevin Tao Mohs is the executive producer, and Tom McDonald is the executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content. The series was created in partnership with the National Geographic Society with a mission to use the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

OCEANX is on a mission to support scientists to explore the ocean and to bring it back to the world through captivating media. Uniting leading media, science, and philanthropy partners, OceanX utilizes next-gen technology, fearless science, compelling storytelling, and immersive experiences to educate, inspire, and connect the world with the ocean and build a global community deeply engaged with understanding, enjoying, and protecting our oceans. OceanX is an operating program of Dalio Philanthropies, which furthers the diverse philanthropic interests of Dalio family members. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org

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Organized Growth and Natural Harmony

by Dr. Rob Moir

In August 1817, the learned men of the Linnaean Society of New England had studied their Bestiaries, ancient, illustrated volumes of all the animals. They set out from Boston for Gloucester’s high rocky shore to survey the seascape. There, they found what they were looking for. The sea serpent was a “60 to 100-foot long, black, shiny, leathery, scaly, reptilian beast with humps, large eyes, and sharp teeth.” Had they heard the local fishermen, the scientists would have dismissed claims that their sea serpent was a school of bluefin tuna.

In 1798, the English economist, cleric, and scholar Thomas Robert Malthus published anonymously that increased food production would improve the population’s wellbeing. However, with abundance, population growth would be geometric, while the means of subsistence increase would be arithmetic. The standard of living would go down, and people would suffer “the Malthusian trap.”  Malthusians believe.

In 1972, the authors of the publication Limits to Growth used computer modeling to predict what would happen with exponential economic and population growth.  Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, they presented three scenarios.  Two of the scenarios saw population “overshoot” and societal collapse. A third scenario resulted in a “stabilized world.”

From Limits to Growth and other publications of the 1970s, many people believe that human numbers will always grow until they reach the limit of subsistence and that overpopulation may only be avoided, to use Malthus’s words, by “vice” (including “the commission of war”), “misery” (including famine or want of food and ill health), and “moral restraint” (i.e., abstinence).  Publications informed the way they looked at the world. Fortunately, the intricate relationships for humans as part of nature are not as straightforward as calculations and computer models portend.

For example, cattle were observed deteriorating in a pasture. Consistent with their expectations, the experts proclaimed that this was over-grazing and that the population must be reduced to a sustainable level consistent with what the resource was providing. In a large African elephant park, they found that the carrying capacity for elephants had been exceeded, and the resource base was being destroyed.  Over the span of twenty-seven years, they called for the culling of more than 14,000 elephants.  Their belief system dictated that many elephants must die for the elephant population to survive.

In both cases, the experts had assessed the situation, prescribed the solution, and left others to manage it. When they returned to find neither the pasture nor the elephant park improved despite the removal of animals, they clung to their science, blamed the managers, wrote off the loss, and carried on.

When he introduced adaptive management, C.S. Hollings (1978) took a very different approach to the certainty of the Malthusians. Hollings et al. identified critical uncertainties regarding ecosystem dynamics and designed diagnostic management experiments to reduce the unknowns. They took the radical step of including all stakeholders in the management deliberations because the greater the diversity of perspectives, the more robust the solutions would be.  Having a stake in solving the problem assured effective implementation.

There were outcries from the scientific community in response to Hollings’ ideas. They knew the best practices through extensive research and juried publications. Doing anything different would be less effective and might cause more damage when time is of the essence. In other words, adaptive management is too risky, and management should be left to the scientists who know best.

Nature Adapts, We Should, Too

In central Oregon is Bear Creek. There, 25 cattle were let out to roam freely in June and brought back into the barn in August. Initially, the cattle stayed by the riverside, where it was the coolest, and ate all the tasty plants. Stream banks turned to mud. Scoured by sediments, the river cut deeply into the land. The pasturelands, with less diversity of plants and compacted soils, became arid.

The adaptive management approach was to section the grazing lands with fencing.  The cattle were let out to the creek in May to graze on first shoots that included rushes and willows.  This saved the rancher money for a month of cattle feed.  Cattle thrived on the new growth.  They were moved to another pasture well before the resource was overgrazed. Every few weeks, the cattle were moved to higher pastures. Grazing in moderation stimulated plant growth.  Cattle fertilized the higher meadow and removed thatch, allowing more wildflowers to grow.

Over the course of 20 years, riparian plants along Bear Creek thrived and spread.  The 500,000 gallons of water per mile once held in the land became 4 million gallons per mile.  The stream bed rose 2.5 feet.  It overflowed its banks and meandered to become one-third of a mile longer.  The carbon, nitrogen, and hydrological cycles were restored and strengthened. Grazing cattle had regenerated the land like the buffalo in grasslands long ago.

The same lessons benefited the pachyderms targeted for culling. The improvements when they were moved according to what was best for the land was nothing short of elephantine.  People coordinated with elephants to improve ecosystems with more resources for all. African farmers wanted elephants in their fields, stomping fibrous plants, pushing seeds into the ground, and pooping to fertilize the soil. Communities gathered and worked out when and how long the elephants would visit each family’s field.  Arid wastelands turned to lush green areas retaining water.

Adaptive management, the integration of cattle or elephants and people, produces a more synergistic balance between the two as active parts of nature. Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and microbes that cooperate are more fit for survival and growth than those that compete.

Act for Natural Harmony

By organizing, life overcomes the odds, entropy, and limits to growth.  Families organize into populations, populations into communities, and communities into ecosystems. Adaptive management recognizes that ecosystems have vast networks

of interconnections, where it is impossible to fully predict what one management action will do. Through experimentation, observations of entire systems (animals, plants, soil, stream flow, etc.), and informed actions, people of the place know the workings of their ecosystems better. What happens on the margins, beneath hooves and elephant feet, or stimulated by grazing, is critical for the turning of cycles and the balance of nature.

To identify uncertainties, recognize the unexpected as they arise, and adopt responsible place-based stewardship practices, we must first see beyond our expectations and not mistake a school of tuna for a sea serpent.

Rather than fret over degraded land at home, work with nature to manage a patch of grass.  An established lawn does not need quick-release fertilizer because that will kill beneficial soil microbes. Don’t water because bees do not like it. The grass will then put down deeper roots to open the soil. Set the lawn mower blade to a four-inch height and cut every two or three weeks. This will stimulate the grass to grow (as will walking on the grass). Grasses draw down 3.67 tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of carbohydrates photosynthesized into biomass or pushed into the soil. A natural lawn will build an inch of soil in a year while supporting a surprising level of bee richness and abundance to benefit more flowers, robins, rabbits, and other grazers. A 200-square-foot lawn will draw down and store one ton of carbohydrates in the soil.  Even putting a potted plant on a step will help nature draw down more carbon and slow the changing climate for the better and benefit all.

Dr. Rob Moir is a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmentalist. He is president & executive director of Cambridge, MA-based Ocean River Institute, a nonprofit providing expertise, services, resources, and information unavailable on a localized level to support the efforts of environmental organizations. For more information. please visit www.oceanriver.org

Thomas Kluz

Anew report published by Swiss company IQAir found that only seven countries and three territories last year met World Health Organization pollution guidelines for fine particulate matter, the most risky form of pollution to human health. The report examined this pollution, known as PM 2.5, which is linked to multiple ailments: heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and premature death, using over 30,000 monitoring stations in 134 countries. The U.S. was not among that set of seven countries; last month the EPA lowered the acceptable annual amount of PM 2.5 to reflect new findings on its dangers. Reacting to IQAir’s findings, Greenpeace International senior air quality scientist Aidan Farrow said, “In 2023, air pollution remained a global health catastrophe.”

According to the Washington Post report (March 20, 2024), “Of these countries, seven had annual averages within the WHO’s guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023: Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and

New Zealand. French Polynesia, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico also met the guidelines.”

Thomas Kluz is a distinguished healthcare futurist, skilled investment professional, and expert in biomedical sciences.

With a keen eye on the future of health care, Thomas has been at the forefront of identifying and fostering groundbreaking innovations that redefine the landscape of medical technology and patient care. His extensive experience in both the investment and biomedical sectors equips him with a unique perspective, enabling him to navigate and influence the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.

Thomas is known for his strategic vision, deep scientific knowledge, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare solutions that improve lives and drive sustainable growth.

The Eden Magazine was honored to speak with Thomas Kluz about his vision and personal thoughts on the healthcare industry.

What motivated you to pursue a career at the intersection of healthcare technology, investment, and biomedicine?

I wanted to make real changes in healthcare. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can improve patient care. For example, seeing how telemedicine can connect patients in remote areas to doctors inspired me. As I went through school and work, this interest grew into a commitment to bring new ideas to healthcare. As a venture capitalist, I saw the chance to invest in startups that can make healthcare more efficient, affordable, and accessible, benefiting both investors and communities.

What are the most promising trends you see in healthcare technology over the next five to ten years?

Several big trends will shape healthcare in the next five to ten years. Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring will continue to make healthcare more accessible. For example, wearable devices like smartwatches as can track heart health and alert doctors to any problems. Many devices that were once large, such as physical devices, will be digitized.  AI advancements will help with better diagnostics and personalized treatments. Generative AI, which creates new data from existing data, is already helping by generating synthetic medical records to train healthcare algorithms without risking patient privacy. Investing in these technologies can provide long-term value by improving

patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How do you envision artificial intelligence transforming patient care and diagnostics in the near future?

AI can greatly improve patient care and diagnostics. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays or MRIs, to detect diseases earlier and more accurately than humans. Generative AI can create realistic 3D models of organs for better surgical planning. AI can also help doctors make better decisions by analyzing large amounts of data to spot patterns and trends, leading to earlier disease detection and better treatment plans. These innovations can reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve the quality of care, making them attractive investments.

How do you see the role of wearable technology evolving in personal health management?

Wearable technology will become essential in managing personal health. Devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches can monitor vital signs and activity levels in real-time. For example, smartwatches can detect irregular heartbeats and prompt users to seek medical attention. As these devices get better and more affordable, they will help with preventive care and managing chronic diseases. Investing in wearable tech startups can provide long-term returns by promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing healthcare costs.

Cold plasma technology can help with both air purification and fighting climate change. It uses ionized gas to clean the air without chemicals and is energy-efficient. “

I envision a future where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable. Technology will deliver personalized care, promote preventive medicine, and address social determinants of health.

What key factors do you consider when deciding to invest in a healthcare startup?

When investing in healthcare startups, I look for a few key things. The most important is the uniqueness and potential impact of their technology. For instance, a startup developing a new AI-powered diagnostic tool that can detect cancer early would catch my interest. I also consider the strength of the team, scalability of the business model, regulatory environment, clinical proof of effectiveness, market interest, and a clear plan for commercialization. Investing in companies that can scale and meet regulatory standards ensures long-term growth and community impact.

Can you share a success story from your investment portfolio highlighting innovative healthcare technology?

One success story is a startup that developed a cutting-edge medical device for minimally invasive surgery. This device used advanced robotics and imaging technology to improve surgical precision and

patient outcomes. For example, their robot-assisted surgery system allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures with more accuracy, reducing recovery times. Through strategic partnerships and marketing, the company successfully brought the product to market, transforming surgical practices and improving patient care globally. This investment not only generated strong financial returns but also positively impacted patients’ lives.

Which areas in biotechnology do you believe are ripe for breakthrough innovations?

Several areas in biotechnology have huge potential for breakthroughs, including gene therapy, regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and microbiome research. For example, gene therapy can potentially cure genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis by fixing defective genes. Generative AI is also aiding in drug discovery by simulating how new drugs interact with the body, speeding up the development of new treatments. Investing in these areas can lead to significant medical advancements and substantial returns.

How do you see the scalability of future air purifying technology, from home units to large outdoor mega-filters, impacting public health and environmental sustainability?

Scalable air purifying technology can greatly impact public health and environmental sustainability. For example, home air purifiers can reduce indoor air pollution, improving health for people with asthma. Large outdoor air filters can clean the air in polluted cities, benefiting everyone’s health. Investing in these technologies can reduce pollution’s harmful effects, especially in crowded cities and industrial areas, providing long-term environmental and health benefits.

Can you elaborate on how advanced technologies, such as the development of ‘cold plasma’ for air purification and cooling, propel us into the future amidst the accelerating decline caused by climate change?

Cold plasma technology can help with both air purification and fighting climate change. It uses ionized gas to clean the air without chemicals and is energy-efficient. For example, cold plasma can be used in air purifiers to neutralize pollutants and pathogens in the air. By using cold plasma, we can reduce pollution, improve air quality, and lower our carbon footprint, helping to combat climate change. Investing in such technologies addresses not only environmental challenges but also offers strong growth potential as demand for clean air solutions rises.

Why is the use of ceramics ideal for air purification, particularly in terms of its ability to absorb surrounding moisture and maintain dryness?

Ceramics are great for air purification because they can absorb moisture and stay dry, preventing mold and bacteria growth. For example, air purifier ceramic filters

can effectively capture pollutants, allergens, and odors. Ceramics are also durable and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for long-term use in air purification. Investing in companies that use ceramic technology for air purification can provide sustainable solutions for cleaner air.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the healthcare technology space?

For entrepreneurs in healthcare technology, my advice is: First, find unmet needs and problems in healthcare and develop solutions for them. For example, a startup could focus on creating an app that helps manage diabetes more effectively. Second, focus on clinical validation and regulatory compliance early to speed up market entry. Third, build a diverse team with different skills and expertise. Lastly, form strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, payers, and industry stakeholders to help with product development, validation, and commercialization. This approach can ensure long-term success and community impact.

What is your vision for the future of healthcare, and what steps are you taking to make it a reality?

I envision a future where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable. Technology will deliver personalized care, promote preventive medicine, and address social determinants of health. To achieve this, I am investing in innovative healthcare technologies, supporting startups that drive positive change, and advocating for policies that promote innovation and patient empowerment. For example, I support digital health initiatives that make it easier for people in remote areas to access healthcare. These steps aim to create a healthier society while providing longterm investment returns.

“

Generative AI, which creates new data from existing data, is already helping by generating synthetic medical records to train healthcare algorithms without risking patient privacy. Investing in these technologies can provide long-term value by improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

What are your thoughts on the current state of data interoperability in healthcare, and what improvements are needed?

Healthcare data interoperability currently needs to be more cohesive, with different systems and standards making it hard to share and integrate patient data. To improve this, we need common data standards, interoperable IT infrastructure, and secure data exchange protocols. For example, using standardized formats for electronic health records (EHRs) can make it easier to share information between different healthcare providers. We also need to address privacy and security concerns and give patients more control over their health information. Investing in interoperability solutions can streamline healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

How should the healthcare industry address the growing concerns around cybersecurity and patient data protection?

The healthcare industry must proactively address cybersecurity and data protection concerns. This includes implementing strong cybersecurity protocols, conducting regular security audits, and investing in employee training. For example, encrypting patient data and using multi-factor authentication can help protect sensitive information. Healthcare organizations should prioritize protecting patient data and complying with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Investing in cybersecurity solutions can safeguard patient information

and maintain trust in healthcare systems.

How do you see animal testing in the lab, and why, in today’s world, are we still horribly testing on animals? What other alternative way can replace “Testing on Animals in Labs”?

Animal testing is a controversial topic in biomedical research. While it has led to many medical advancements, there is a growing need to find more humane and ethical alternatives. Alternatives to animal testing include using human cells and tissues, computer simulations, organs-on-chips, and advanced imaging techniques. For example, researchers can use human cell cultures to test new drugs instead of animals. Generative AI can simulate biological processes to predict how new drugs will work, reducing the need for animal testing. Investing in these alternative methods can advance science responsibly and ethically.

Finally, tell us about your podcast and who you invite to be your guest to your podcast. My podcast explores the intersection of healthcare, technology, and innovation. I invite leading experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and developments in healthcare. For example, I might interview a researcher developing a new cancer treatment or an entrepreneur creating a health tech startup. These conversations provide valuable insights and perspectives for our listeners, helping them understand the future of healthcare and its impact on society.

Shila Ommi

Shila Ommi, is an accomplished Iranian-American actress of stage, television, film, and voice-over whose family settled in the United States during the Iranian revolution. She is also a UCLA graduate who received Departmental Honors for her Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology. With her rich cultural heritage and passion for storytelling, Ommi has made significant contributions to both Western and Iranian cinema and theater, and she is best known for her role in the Apple TV Series Tehran as Nahid Kamali.

How old were you when your family fled Iran, and where did they settle when you first got to the United States?

I was ten years old when we moved to the United States. I grew up between Studio City, and Van Nuys, California, in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. When we moved here from Iran with my family, the revolution was happening, and my family was very depressed. We were a military family. My dad was a colonel in the Shah’s army. He loved his country. Unfortunately, when the revolution in Iran happened and the Islamic Republic came into power, they put my dad on their execution list, which is why we never returned. They executed around 250,000 beautiful people. This news was heartbreaking for my whole family. Every day during those first few years, we would get news about another one of my mom and dad’s dear friends who had been tortured and executed in Iran. This caused a lot of sadness and grief, and the way

my mom would deal with it was to just keep moving. We would live in Studio City for one year and then move to Van Nuys. Then the next year, back to Studio City, and then , back to Van Nuys. Back and forth until finally, I got to in high school, we stayed in Van Nuys till I graduated.

Did you come to this country already speaking English?

I learned some English at Institut Maryam, a Catholic school I attended in Iran. But I wasn’t fluent in it. It took some years for that.

How many languages do you speak? I speak Persian and English fluently. French, Italian, and Spanish are languages I dabble in. With the Persian language, I have performed in plays for Iranians in diaspora. For a decade, I toured in a theatre company, Workshop 79, spearheaded by the gifted Iranian playwright Houshang Touzie, and his talented wife Shohreh Aghdashloo.

Photo by Theo & Juliet

What was your very first performing project you did as a child?

I first discovered my love of performing in high school at Van Nuys High School when I was 15. I played Helen Keller’s aunt, and in my senior year, I played Elizabeth Proctor in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible Van Nuys High School was a Science and Performing Arts Magnet. They had a wonderful theater department. I was very enriched as a high schooler to get the science as well as the theater performing arts.

Both of those have been huge in my life. I even went to UCLA as a biological anthropology major, and I was premed.

What about your personality is 100% Persian, and what is American?

My Persian side is very caring. Maybe a little overly caring, and maybe a little overly excited when I see my friends. With the Persians, when you’re among Persians and you enter the room, the greetings are so colorful and warm. On the other hand, the American side is more laid back. The Persian side of me passionately cares for people. And maybe meddling, too. I meddle in my friends’ lives because I love them and want the best for them. The American side is the beautiful non-judgment. I’m not saying that all Americans don’t judge, but it feels less judgy. In this country, I feel that you can follow your dreams. You can be whatever you want to be. And live however you want to live.

As a child growing up in Los Angeles, what did you see yourself becoming as an adult?

I wanted to become a veterinarian. I always had an interest in nature and in the animal kingdom. At 18, when I got out of high school, I worked at the Wildlife Waste Station, which was started by Martine Collette. They take care of LA wildlife - wolves, coyotes, bears, horses, monkeys, and all kinds of wildlife that either get rescued from people or need rehabilitation.

I always loved acting, but it was my silent dream because I didn’t believe I could ever be a working actor. The closest thing to acting for me was the possibility of doing plays, so I carved out a living for myself by doing plays for Iranians in the diaspora. I saw those who worked on film and television as gods. But also, I never saw anyone who looked like me, which made me feel like an oddball, so I never imagined that I could be a film actor.

What is your darkest memory of moving to America?

My experience of moving to America was very different from that of most Iranians, who maybe didn’t have the means to leave or had to flee to seek political asylum. We came to America totally by accident. In Iran, my dad was a successful businessman in a construction company called Vima Company that manufactured bricks for buildings, and he was also a philanthropist. He was suing an American company that was taking advantage of him. For the hearing, he brought my mom and I to Los Angeles to visit my older sister, Shiva who had purchased a house and was attending USC. And that is when the revolution in Iran happened.

What was supposed to be a two-week visit changed our lives because we came with nothing and ended up staying. We didn’t bring any money, nothing, because we thought, “We’re going to visit my sister and then go back.” The darkest part of my life at that time was the revolution. We always believed we would go back in six months because there was no way the Islamic Republic would still be in power. That was a big surprise to all of us when that didn’t happen. We weren’t trying to flee, but thank God we happened to be here because my dad would have been executed as well. The regime immediately executed his best friend and business partner, Habib Elghanian, a wonderful man and philanthropist.

The darkest thing about America at the time, of course, was the anti-Iranian sentiment because of the hostages that these stupid kids had kidnapped. These foolish young kids decided that they knew what was best for Iran.

The other dark thing in America at the time that really scared me was that every day, on the local news, there were these horrible headlines of rapists, and mass murderers on the loose. That was scary for me as a child and made me feel like I didn’t have a sense of safety. Certainly, there was no sense of safety in Iran either with the Islamic fanatics in charge. But being here also didn’t feel that safe when you turned on the news. In Iran, as women, if we went back, we would have had to live a terrible life forced to wear a compulsory hijab and suddenly have half the rights of a man. They consider women as half-human. I didn’t want to move back to Iran, but in the US, it also felt like there was so much danger.

Sound Therapy is another service I do to give back to my family, friends, and community.

MERCY

Are you currently performing in LA, and in which theater projects are you involved?

I just finished working on a play called Mercy, written masterfully by a British-Iranian playwright named Mandi Riggi. The play was performed at the Hollywood Fringe Festival at the end of June. Theater is such a blessing not just for the performers, but it’s such an important experience for human beings to go see live theatre. I recently worked with a group of my dearest friends creating a musical/dance/multimedia production called Twilight of the Empress We had Fared Shafinury’s brilliant music composition, Banafsheh Sayyad’s beautiful dance choreography, Hitoshi Inoue’s film art, and it was produced by my best friend, Maryam Sayyad. It’s a musical multimedia theatrical experience. Maryam has a PhD (Doctorate of Mythology). She has been very interested in exploring and sharing ancient Persian mythology with the world. I am thrilled I was able to help her realize her vision.

We plan on staging it again next year. It’s about the goddess Anahita, who is the goddess of trauma - love, water healing traumas, and healing and cleaning those shadow sides of us. I felt it was such an important tool for Iranians to know they come from such a profoundly rich history and a spiritual history long before Islam came in. It’s important for Iranians to know that and for the world to know that because of the rich spiritual history that Iranians have offered to the world, there’s still a lot of untapped wisdom in it.

I feel that Americans don’t really know who Iranians are. They don’t know that if today they refer to their God as a kind and loving God, that was what Iran gifted them. It was the first time that God was seen as a kind and loving being as opposed to jealous, angry, controlling being that the Old Testament was handing us. Even the concept of God has expanded into love and kindness and into those characteristics that human beings would want to emulate.

TEHRAN ON

Are the plays recited mainly in Persian?

No, they are in English.

I want to talk about your other talent, directing and producing, and about your film, Wake Up Sleeping Beauty. What attracted you to the project? Would you like to shift to only directing? What moved you to take on such a heavy subject matter?

Mastaneh Moghadam, the writer of Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, is one of my best friends, and she is a therapist. Mastaneh sees a lot of patients from the Iranian community in LA, and the script she wrote was not only about her own experiences growing up as Iranian immigrant, but about many of her patients’ challenges as well. The story is about a young Iranian-American woman who comes into her power when she is about to give birth to her first child, a girl. This happens through a dream she has, a sort of medicine journey, in which she realizes she has been a shell of a human being all her life because of her need to be a good girl to appease her parents. We children of immigrants, especially Iranians who have lost our homeland, live with so many psychological challenges, especially because of the guilt we feel for our parents who gave up everything for us to live in freedom. The story deals with a lot of taboos and stigmas in our community as well. It was the first feature I made, and it won numerous awards at film festivals.

You mentioned that the movie was shot during the pandemic. Yes. When the world was shut down for the pandemic in 2020. It was originally commissioned by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health for the Iranian American community. It was a play, but they came forward and said, “You can’t do a play.” For the past decade or longer, I’ve been making films my dear friend, Hitoshi Inoue, whom I call my creative partner. He is a masterful filmmaker, special effects artist, director, and editor. Everything in film this man can do. I said, “We can take this play and turn it into a feature film.”

The department said, “No, you can’t because we don’t want any of the actors to ever be in the same room together.” I said, “That’s okay.” And so, what I did was I turned my living room into a green screen studio. I put up green sheets everywhere in my living room, and we filmed. Each actor came in on a different day. I directed them and read the lines with them. We did the play four to five times with five different actors from beginning to end while those actors got their lines in and got directed. Then, for the backdrop, We filmed the living room of a dear friend and popped it in. The actors have never seen each other in person to this day. And you’d never know watching it. You can see the movie for free on the Cross Cultural Expressions website.

Photo by Theo & Juliet

Is mental illness a topic that doesn’t get talked about in your culture?

Correct. It’s not discussed openly. Thankfully, I feel that things are slowly changing for the better. But I grew up in a culture where everything was a secret, whether it was a disease like cancer or any type of mental illness. They are very afraid of expressing it openly because there’s a huge stigma around it. Not only do people not get help for fear of being ridiculed or looked down upon, but they hush up about their family members. Making Wake Up Sleeping Beauty, was like a service I did for my community. I directed a movie that makes mental illness and the discussion of it very normal and okay to talk about. As much as I’m sad for Iranians like myself who were pushed out of their own country, I am also very grateful that for those of us who have come here, there are opportunities because of organizations like the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to help us expand our knowledge about ourselves, and about humanity.

What was your biggest surprise when you got here?

The biggest surprise was being in school. Because we went from riches to nothing overnight, I was no longer in a high-end private Catholic school but at an L.A. District public school. I thought it was going to be awful. I was afraid because school in Iran was very hard, and I hated going because of how difficult it was. In fifth grade, we were already doing complicated algebra problems that I wasn’t good at. But it was such a delight for me to see the kids in my class still doing multiplication and longhand division. Things I did in first grade. I was like, “Yay, I get to not be the dumb one in class anymore.”

You said you were at UCLA studying science. How did you transition from science to theater? When did that happen?

Since the seed for my love of theater was planted in my heart at the age of 15, I was constantly working in theater, even while I was going to UCLA as a premed and science major. I was a stage manager for different shows when my friends needed one. If someone dropped out of a play, I jumped in and played the part for them as a favor. It wasn’t until I graduated from UCLA and my dad passed away that same year that a big Iranian theater company that had seen me on stage came after me. I thought they wanted me as a stage manager, it turned out they wanted an actress. After the tour was finished, I thought, “I want to do this professionally”, and be really good at it, so I enrolled in the Ruskin School of Acting. Sir Anthony Hopkins was our master class teacher every Saturday, and it was life-changing.

What do you do to stay mentally grounded and spiritually grounded?

I have been blessed with four incredible older sisters: Shahlah, Shohreh, Shiva, Sholeh, and one brother, Mehran. They are all no-nonsense, funny, down-toearth, grounded individuals, and they ground me. At any point, if they think your head might be getting a little big, they’ll take care of that. They’ll say something like, “Sit the heck down!” I have also been blessed with a wonderful husband, Dr. Robert Norett for a quarter of a century and we have a very quiet life, and a lot of laughs.

Are you involved with any charities?

For several years, I’ve been involved with Children’s Hope International. They help children in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. I have been an MC for their special galas. It’s very important for me to give back. And pretty much every time I do a play that has to do with the Iranian community, that is also my service of giving back to my community. I see it as being of service whenever I do a play. Photo by Theo & Juliet

When did you first discover voiceover? How did that come about?

I have a friend, Farid Shams who is an incredible animator. I feel indebted to him for giving me my start in voice acting.

About 20 years ago, he reached out to me and wanted me to do a number of voices on a cartoon that he was creating called The Mamoushians. It was a cartoon about a family of cats, of this aristocratic, very wealthy cat family, and it was all in Persian. It was then that I discovered how much I love doing voiceover.

I’ve also taken classes to be able to do different voices. I’m now able to do about 20 distinctly different voices. One of my favorite voiceover jobs was an animation series I did for a human rights watch group called the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran in which I voiced for almost all the characters, including several male voices.

From that experience, you moved forward, and now you have since worked for Disney’s Pixar on the animated film Elemental. It was the most incredible, beyond my wildest dreams moment when the Pixar team reached out to me to play Ember’s mother, Cinder in Elemental!

I never submitted for it. I have no idea how they found me, but I’m so thankful they did. There’s such a wonderful team of delicious human beings at

Pixar, and Disney as well. It was the most amazing experience. Peter Sohn and Denise Reem are a dream team! Plus, I got to meet my animation idol, Peter Doctor at the Oscar’s dinner.

If you could crown one woman, living or dead, who has had the most influence in your life, whom would you crown?

My mother. There are so many incredible women on this planet, and a number of famous ones, but my mom was the first person who taught me to love. I don’t think there’s anything more valuable in this life than to be able to love people.

It all started with the love my mother gave me. She had willpower. I don’t have that kind of willpower, but it’s something I’m always working on. To be more disciplined, to do more, to be better every day, and to do something that makes me better than I was the day before.

Do you have any pets?

When my mom passed, I got her dog named Malous. She was a little Yorkie who was a little bossy pants. She helped make missing my mom a little easier because I felt like I always had a part of her with me.

I used to have chickens. I highly recommend having chickens to anyone who has a backyard. They are so much fun, and they’re easy to care for.

Photo by Theo & Juliet

Not many know that chickens are very smart. One day, one of my chickens, Ms. Ghamar Khanoom, fell into the pond. Her best friend, another chicken named Shamsi, came to the back door and yelled out an alarm until we went to save her. They take care of each other. Of course, as with all animals that are smart, there is a pecking order, a ranking system. They do form friendships, and their friendships are forever. Shamsi laid her very first egg on my chest, which was amazing. It happened one day when I was sick in bed with the flu and was lying there with the door to the backyard open. She came in and jumped up on the bed. And then jumped up on my chest. I let her settle in my inner arm and then she sat under my armpit. That is where and when she layed her very first egg. I know she felt safe with me. They’re incredible animals. I wish humanity would evolve to a point where we realize that we are here – not to take, but to take care of this Earth and each other. To be stewards of the land, take care of the trees, take care of the forests, take care of the animals

Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share with us?

Mandi Riggi’s play, Mercy is expected to come back to LA at a larger theatre at some point. We are also hoping to tour the musical/multimedia production of Twilight of The Empress sometime next year. I hope Tehran season 3 comes out soon, they are a team of beautiful compassionate artists, and I miss them.

I will be playing the role of Pas in a Netflix TV series that comes out next month called KAOS starring Jeff Goldblum, who, incidentally, used to be

one of my acting teachers way back in the day. It’s a fabulous show, written by Charlie Covell. It also stars Janet McTeer, David Thewlis, Cliff Curtis, Aurora Perrineau and the lovely lady who plays my daughter, Leila Farzad.

You do something called Tannous Method. Please explain to us what this is. It is a deeply moving and even therapeutic form of sound meditation named after it’s originator, Alexandre Tannous. I have been studying this method with Alexandre, and David Shemesh for a a couple of years.

The Tannous sound meditation is done by having the receiver lie down with their eyes closed. while the practitioner plays instruments that are called over tone-emitting instruments around their body. It’s an interactive experience because you have to actively focus on the sounds you hear as you lie there.

It profoundly changes your brain waves, your neurochemistry, your mental and emotional state, as well as your body. And it has the capacity to shift past trauma.

I’ve been working with friends who are therapists. And I’m now a sound meditation facilitator for them when they do group therapies. It’s a service I do to give back to my friends, my family, and the community.

Special Thank you to: Shila Omni

Photography by: JSquared Photography @j2pix

Hair and Makeup by: Edward Hakopian @edward_hakopian

Wardrobe provided by: Saffron Boutique @saffron_boutique

Photos provided by: Theo & Juliet

Tips For a New BeginningYourin

CAREER, BUSINESS, & LIFE

1 Before you leap, look!

Sadhguru: Once we have chosen to be reborn – to dissolve something and create something fresh – many possibilities will be open. Many possibilities always means trouble. To be able to identify which one of these possibilities you should go with is a certain exercise. The problem is people jump into something and then exercise their mind – no. Before you jump into something, it needs to be looked at with enough attention because once you jump into something, there should be no looking back. If you are constantly looking at the rearview mirror, you are not going to go forward.

Photo by Pexel/Julia-m-Cameron

You are not even creating your inner situation the way you want it. So how do you think you will create the external situation the way you want it?

2. Enhance your perception –See life the way it is

If you are talking about a business, dropping something that has failed is easy and inevitable. It will anyway happen. But to drop something that is successful and recreate something else out of that needs vision, courage and a certain level of madness in you. It is a completely different level of looking at life. You must be able to see something that others don’t see.

What you need to look at is whether you are capable of dropping what you are right now – either as an individual or as an organization. And whether you want to “die entirely” and start afresh or you want to “die partially” and recreate it is a judgment one has to make on the spot, knowing the realities of the situation.

If you are born afresh, that means you have no conclusions about anything. You are willing to look at everything like you are just born. If you do this, you will walk through life untouched. Even a little child starts thinking he knows within a few days. Once you think you know, you start fumbling and bumbling. If, at every moment of your life, you look at everything like you were just born, you will see everything crystal clear. When you see things clearly, you walk through situations comfortably.

If you are able to see life just the way it is, you have the necessary intelligence to conduct it well. If you are not able to see life the way it is, your intelligence will work against you.

It happened once, Sherlock Holmes and Watson went camping in the mountains. Night fell and they went to sleep. In the middle of the night, Sherlock Holmes nudged Watson and Watson opened his eyes.

Sherlock Holmes asked him, “What do you see?”

Watson, lying down, looked up and said, “I see clear sky and stars, lots of stars.”

Sherlock Holmes asked, “What does that mean to you?”

Watson answered, “That means another nice, sunny day tomorrow. What does it mean to you?”

Sherlock Holmes said, “It means to me, my dear Watson, that someone has stolen our tent.”

You can successfully walk through every aspect of your life only if you see life the way it is. If you want to do anything successfully, it is not your qualification that counts; it is the clarity of your perception. Fundamentally, how successful you are simply depends upon the clarity of your perception of the realities around you.

3. Your ability to pay attention is key The process of life is very simple. To be born is not your work. Someone else does it for you. If you eat physically, you will grow up. Mentally, there are processes around you to cultivate you in this direction or that direction, but if one does not get entangled with anything, if he just looks at life, everything is wide open. Nothing is hidden really. The phrase “mysteries of life” is a total misnomer because there is no such thing. It is all wide open. It is just that people are going around with their eyes closed, so it is all a mystery.

If a human being has to break through their limitations, the most important quality is the steadiness of attention. Your ability to manage anything is directly proportional to the level of attention and observation that you have.

I was talking to a group of Harvard alumni who are all extremely successful and they were saying, “You know, when we were in college, those guys that we thought would really make it big did not make it. Those of us who were confused and did not know what to do with our lives when we came out struggled around, and it was

we who made it big. They did not make it big.”

So I asked, “What happened?” They were discussing this and the essential thing is just this – these so-called smart ones were just picked up by major companies, they got a very comfortable job and a big salary, they settled into it, and they stayed there. These people who did not know what to do, they went out, looked around at everything, some of them came up with their own brilliant ideas and started their own companies, or they went up the hard way. Because things were not certain, they had to pay attention to everything; they observed the whole world. These people went a hundred-fold more than those smart people who settled and stayed in their nice, cushy jobs.

Your ability to pay attention is the key to how deep you can go into something – whatever that something is. How profound your attention is, is how deep you will sink into it and how much access you get into it. Human consciousness is such, if you pay enough attention, the whole existence has to yield, there is no other way.

Photo by AdobeStock

Infrastructures to Raise  Human Consciousness

Experience Yoga in its classical form at Isha Yoga Center Los Angeles and Isha Institute of Inner-sciences. Established by Sadhguru, the centers serve as powerful spaces for inner transformation and raising human consciousness. Located  in northern Los Angeles County and Tennessee, the centers offer an array of yoga and meditation programs in a vibrant and conducive ambience.

You are invited to Free Yoga Day, a monthly open-door event a t the center. On this day, we offer a variety of free sessions dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being through simple but powerful practices sourced from the Yogic tradition.

Learn more at ishausa.org/la

4. Put your life into whatever you do

Whatever the path you jump onto is not the best thing to do. You can never do the best thing in the world. Whatever you jump into, if you really put your life into it, it can become a great thing. Do not ever try to do the best thing because if you try to do the best thing, you will waste your life trying to be better than someone else.

That is not a good way to go because for all you know the person you compare yourself with may be lame, and you think you are a champion because you run a little faster than him. Whether you are better or worse than someone should not even be a thought in your mind. The only thing to look at is that full utilization of who you are should happen. Whatever you have, are you able to harness it fully? This is what Yoga means. Your physicality, psychological realities and the inner energies – are you able to harness these the way you want?

5. Take charge of your inner situation

Either you allow your destiny to be an accident or you allow your destiny to be your intent, that is a choice you have. Either you allow the situations to make you something or you make the situations the way you want them.

You might be thinking, “Yes, I would like to make my family situation the way I want it but other people are not cooperating with me.” But first, start with your own internal situation. You are not even creating your inner situation the way you want it. So how do you think you will create the external situation the way you want it? With the external situation, there are a hundred different ingredients and forces functioning – it is not all in your hands. But in the internal situa-

tion, youare the only ingredient. It is very important that first you learn to create your internal situations the way you want. Then your ability to create the external can be greatly enhanced.

The problem with most people is their own thoughts and emotions are a huge issue. When you yourself are an issue, how will you deal with other issues? Your psychological drama is taking such a big toll. People are capable of suffering what happened ten years ago. They are capable of already suffering what is going to happen day after tomorrow. They think they are suffering their past and future, but they are only suffering two faculties that are exclusive to human beings on this planet – memory and imagination.

Most people do not know how to handle their memory and imagination. Does what happened yesterday or ten years ago exist right now? No. Does what may happen day after tomorrow exist right now? No. So, in other words, you are suffering that which does not exist. That is called insanity. People say, “This is human nature.” This is not human nature. This is the nature of people who have not taken charge of human nature.

The human mechanism is the most complex piece of machinery on the planet. This is a “super-supercomputer.” But have you read the user’s manual? Yoga means learning to read the user’s manual.

Welcome to Our Contributor Writers’ Neighborhood

by

A Guide to High-Vibrational Living

By Polly Wirum

Photo

Jukan Tateisi

Living Your Best Life Discover How Mastering a Physical Challenge Can Help

You Commit to

Is there a part of you that wants a deeper connection to the Universe and this life experience? Are you seeking confirmation that you have a place in this world? Have you been stuck in a situation so long you can’t remember another way of being? This blog is written to help you create a strong connection to your life on Earth and the Universe at large. I keep reading and discovering the technique I always turn to when I need to feel firmly tethered to this world while thriving in the Universe.

My Story

I have been making big moves in my life. The past 18 months I have remodeled and sold a home, purchased another home, and started yet another remodel project. During this time there were a couple other big changes, including navigating changes in some relationships.

With all this activity you might think that laying low and settling in would be my goal and in some sense it is. I’m ready to travel less and enjoy my home base; but I’m also ready to move some energy that I have been holding onto. This heavier energy is from some of my past life choices. I want to reconnect with the goodness of the Universe and let go of everything that is holding me back. I’m ready to fully reconnect with life

How I Recommit To Life

My favorite way to reboot my thinking and overall way of being, is choosing a physical challenge that requires long term training and commitment. This means my day to day life will be injected with inspired action and my thoughts will be of achieving big accomplishments.

I have decided to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim. The trail is 24 miles long with about 5000 feet elevation gain. One of my daughters is joining me in this adventure. We will hike in the vibrant energy of the full moon on October 17th. Our goal is to complete the trail in about 12 hours.

It might sound easy, but the climb out is no joke. Imagine climbing up hours and hours of dusty, steep switchbacks that have been carved out of the face of the rock. It is not just one foot in front of the other; there are steps that require you to intentionally lift your tired and heavy legs up and carefully place your feet down. It is impossible to just shuffle your way up the trail.

Similar to life, I am choosing not to just shuffle my way through the days.

The hardest part of the journey is saving for last. We will be tired when the real work begins, not to mention needing to consider temperature changes, caloric intake, electrolytes, water, and the different layers of clothing.

We will move slowly, feel the pull of gravity, and take deep breaths.

We planned our descent from the south rim and ascending out of the north rim. A very kind person will be waiting for us with fresh clothes, food, and water. At the top, we will take a picture and happily remove our favorite trail shoes and compression socks from our very dirty and tired feet. I can already see us celebrating life and enjoying a job well done!

Is There a Good Physical Goal For You?

First, you need to choose a measurable goal—one that will require dedication and commitment but is safe and attainable. Know that you will have some days when you miss your mark; just allow yourself to get back on track.

Make a plan that will take you to the finish line. Remember to be realistic with your expectations. Don’t choose a marathon if you don’t enjoy running. There are plenty of ways to challenge your body and mind.

What inspired action will you need to take? How will you prioritize this in your life schedule? Do you need special shoes or equipment?

Who do you want to share this with? Share with the people in your life so they know when you are not available. You are choosing yourself and will need to have boundaries to stay on track

Do you need a coach or partner to help you with accountability? This

can be as easy as inviting a friend to your workouts. Make it fun!

Keep a journal of your progress and all your feelings! This will help you in more ways than just keeping you accountable. It will become a very rewarding part of your training, where you share your good days and challenges. It is also a great tool for reflection.

Watch Things Shift

When you work towards physical goals, shifts will happen in the non physical areas of life. You will be healing and letting go of fears; even unknown fears that are karmic and passed on through generations.

The inspired thoughts during the process of achieving your goal will expand and light up all of your life :)

In Closing

I chose the topic of connecting with our physical bodies because I often hear people reference time on Earth as a struggle, and our bodies are disrespectfully referred to as “meat suits.” Not everyone is an Olympic athlete, but everyone with a human body will experience both challenges and pleasure at some point in their life.

After watching my mother die, I was reminded of the choice to let go of our human form or the decision to experience our bodies in ways that make us feel alive. On some level, each of us gets to commit to the body offered to us or succumb to the pull of sleep and eventually drift to an awareness that doesn’t know gravity

Thank you for reading. Now is the perfect time to make a wish and throw a desire out to the Universe. Combine that wish with a prayer and watch it explode into a million possibilities. Follow this with inspired action, keep going, and watch it come true.

Polly Wirum is a psychic, life coach, and writer. Years ago, she experienced a health crisis that led to a complete spiritual and life transformation. When she thought her life was crumbling, the universe was easing her grip on everything, distracting her from the truth. The healing helped her discover the beauty of a joyful and uncomplicated life. It is here that she connects with wisdom and magic. She shares this with her clients through life’s coaching psychic readings and spiritual retreats. visit Pollywirum.com

By Dulce García-Morman, Ph.D.

CRACKED ME OPEN! THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

As I embark on writing this article, it is hard to concentrate. Why? Because in just six days I will be landing in Reykjavik, where we will board our cruise ship for a family adventure in the fjords of Iceland and Norway. I am so intrigued by the immense beauty and complexity of a landscape I imagine as rugged and raw, and otherworldly and ethereal at times. I imagine a land of extremes where glaciers (ice) and volcanoes (fire) coexist and where you experience extended periods of darkness or light, depending on the season. There is little middle ground in the land of the Vikings when it comes to climate -you are either immersed in the darkness or the light. But what excites me most about the region is not the landscape; it is the wild yearning that by the strangest of incidents, I may bump into the Norse gods Odin, Thor, Freyja, or Loki. I have been in love with Viking culture for a while, and I can shamelessly say that I have watched every single

Viking series and movie that Netflix has to offer.

I have always been fascinated by the Viking sagas and the stories of a time when the life of the mortals was inextricably intertwined with the gods. This must have been a difficult period for ancient Norse societies, ravaged by rough climate, disease -a life where Darwinism would be in full display. But in some ways, I imagine it would have also been an uncomplicated life, where each man and woman’s understanding of their place in the cosmos would have been clear. I imagine a place with little room for the growing existential angst of modern times. For the Vikings, as well as for all “primitive” societies then and now, there would be little question about one’s role in the world. Directed by the Viking gods and later by the God of Christianity, life had a clear purpose and meaning, with little room for the increases in existential suffering that modern times have brought.

by By

Photo

Look inward, for these mountains and the gods dwell in you now. Whenever you feel disoriented again, place your hand on your heart and call on us…in every heartbeat will be Odin and Freyja and Thor and Loki, and the Christian God, and everything sacred that ever was and ever will be.

Life is intensely uncertain for modern man, and while it may be more predictable, we cannot know with any certainty when we will die or what lies beyond that event. I suppose people could never know, but in the times of the great gods, there was greater certainty, if not unshakable faith, about our destination. That source of meaning, purpose, faith, and certainty was sourced from the outside and driven by some level of fear.

The gods dwelled outside of us, in a magnificent reality that we could only imagine, and pulling the strings of our destiny. Not provoking their wrath was at the front and center of life. The gods demanded obedience, in exchange for which they looked over their children on Earth. I suppose it is no accident that both Odin and God are referred to as “Father.”

We are now living in a time of profound openness, of growing tolerance toward varying perspectives, a time when individuals assert their rights and challenge institutional authority, whether religious or civic.  The XXIst (21st) century has torn down many traditional norms; it has unleashed the power of choice in profound ways, is inclusive of differences, and has mustered the courage

to consider the multiverses that life presents and to entertain many new ways of being in the world. Examples of this are different forms of activism, from climate change to animal rights to social justice issues that blow open the norms with which we welcomed in this new century.

There are myriad doors many of us can walk through today, some of which were either unknown or forbidden in the past. The great polarization in many societies today, including our own in America, may, in part, be the consequence of the individual psyche’s search for the Self, the true Self that has been trapped in the protective arms of the gods and their norms for centuries.  Today, many of us do not feel “guided” by an almighty presence in the same way that our Viking ancestors or the early Christians did. There is, for many of us, no “right and only path” laid out by the father and mother gods who always knew better than their flock. Yes, there is still a large presence of religious faith and spiritual paths as we speak, but the individual quest for Self and the “god within” has gained strength. While the churches and temples of different religions are still filled with their children, the grip of the gods has lessened.

Photo by Baran Lotfollahi

In some ways, the modern quest for the elusive Self presents a more arduous path. We ask questions, and we challenge norms, images, and conceptions that were fiercely adhered to for millennia. The power of initiation rituals today, originally meant to introduce young men and women into adulthood with clear rules and with an unquestioned vision of their place in the cosmos, has either disappeared or lost its grip. Indigenous societies may still offer their people such orientation, but for the most part, modern men and women are on their own. The modern BarMitzvah or Sweet Sixteenth parties (symbolic initiations) do not pack the power to thrust us out of childhood. There is a growing disorientation in modern societies, and there are so many choices that can add to the complexity and confusion about the meaning of life. But this is not necessarily bad because it forces us to go inward and to trust in the information that we can source from the self, whether in our psyche or in and through our bodies. Embodied knowing, for example, has become an increasingly trusted source of knowledge based on our “lived” experience, and it has slowly eroded the Cartesian view of the mind-body split. We have also been called to pay more attention to our instincts and to that elusive “heart” which we intuit has unique intelligence and produces its own algorithms, which we cannot always rationalize but which we at times have the courage to oblige.

On the fifth day of our vacation, I was boating down the Geirangerfjord in Norway, feeling once again in awe of

nature. I felt cradled by the huge mountains on both sides of the waterway. I felt perfectly safe, so far away from home and from everything that is familiar and dear to me, like my home, my yoga studio, and my beloved horses. That sense of safety was so profound that I thought maybe I had run into the Viking gods at last. So, I asked, “Are you here”? And they said, “Look inward, for these mountains and the gods dwell in you now. Whenever you feel disoriented again, place your hand on your heart and call on us…in every heartbeat will be Odin and Freyja and Thor and Loki, and the Christian God, and everything sacred that ever was and ever will be.”  I could not muster a thought for the rest of the boat ride; I could only feel the rhythm of the water and my breath. I felt relaxed in the certainty that Mother Earth held timeless wisdom and compassion and that she dwelled in me.

Two days later, I sit in my cabin finishing this article, and I feel deep gratitude for all the unsafe moments and the epic crisis of faith that I have confronted in the past six years of my life. The pain of losing all the members of my small family between 2018 and 2021 plunged me into the dark abyss of faithlessness. But now I’m re-oriented and confident in the knowing that there is nothing “out there” that can show me my place in the world -the towering nature of Geirangerford cracked me open to my own heartbeat. The heartbeat that replaces the temples, and the altars, and the images, and the scriptures, and all the prescriptions for a life well lived. There is nothing “out there”; there is only the resting in our own heartbeat, and “in there” is our place in the cosmos.

Dulce García-Morman, Ph.D. is founder of Life-Is-Art Equine Assisted Learning & Coaching. She has facilitated learning and therapeutic experiences through the horse-human connection for the past 17 years. Dulce’s practice draws from different wisdom traditions and is strongly oriented toward a Jungian approach to the restoration of the authentic Self.For more information, visit https://life-is-art.us/

By Zee

A HUMAN

LANDSCAPE CONNECTION

This month article that challenges where we are in our daily goals and what they are possibility worth after all our efforts. It’s the continued great divide, we constantly traverse, hoping we are on the correct side of existence.

If the human creature never learns how to deal with life’s experiences, the when and how to show up, then one will only live a life within those self created boundaries. Forever existing as an intentional purposed human, founded on self determined principals within the boundary of their grey dualism belief illusions.

Never knowing any true essence of one’s gifted identity. Caught between the realities of black and white, living and existing in an envelope of hope, faith, and some form of distorted despair. Forever stuck within the vast oceans of socially educated rule books of right and wrong. Lost and forsaken in the responsive forest to life’s experiences. Consummating the birth of one’s internal doubts and the inability to safely think for one’s self. One lives a life as a constant misdemeanor and never knows the truth about it.

EXPAND LIMITATIONS.

Is courage extinct as a human function, or did it only exist in those old fairy tales? When men in shining armor rode into the setting sun on their quest in search of a dragon to slay and win the hand of a pretty princess. Courage was meant for more nobler feats. It was given to humans as a gift to help traverse those dark passages created by one’s misguided living ignorance. The consequence of a human’s inability to work as a team player with one’s gifted senses, personal abilities, and natural talents. How does one even grasp the possibility that these talents even exist? Now that your high road has already been paved by a system selling you to become a made-up functioning genetic self in servitude. As has been the recorded process for all humans regardless of class throughout human history, humans show up like follow-

ers, always ready to follow the Pied Piper or some guru/teacher who has the latest new trending jargon down pat. What is the reasoning behind humans’ existence?

These trainers have a need for Connection, it is their primary purpose to stabilise their state of beingness. The followers need their Connection to be delivered and received as a form of compassion, individually experienced as a heart-felt personalized gift. Even in a group setting, it feels like you have experienced a private oneon-one transmission. There are those times when band-aids are necessary.

WITNESS

Distractions come naturally for humans. It’s comforting familiarity allows for a connection, leaving the material creature feeling worthy, valued and personally secure. Thus leaving one feeling safe and belonging. Is it any wonder while contained in such a light-of-beingness, one doesn’t have a need to go in search of and expose those dark mindful-crevices. Forsaken memories, lost in how we have avoided, misrepresenting one’s true identity. Open Sesame!

Like all existing fears built up through misunderstanding one’s experienced engagements, humans manage to avoid the very pathway to escape their subhuman imprisonment. Self-imposed, we had no idea we didn’t want to know!

Is it not any wonder we label everything? It’s a great breeding ground for convincing one to stay and to remain in one’s patterned algorithmic comfort zone. In order to step outside our daily zoned-out activities, one has to finally stop for a moment for thinking to actually occur.

EGO doesn’t know Disrespect

How did one’s living functions come to be past and present simultaneously? You believe you have included Nature and the seemingly endless plights facing humans today. You live and work with organizations and friends who think the same as you, be local, buy local, and shop local. You live with a conscious community attitude. You have a wonderful heart-generated community spirit. Alas, also within that community, there are individuals in positions of power. They want your support and consent. Unfortunately, you and every other human doesn’t exist to them. Unless every existing single person who has determined our past and present fate is not removed, their disease will continue and forever remain.

The proof is in the pudding.

There are those among us who practice equality and freedom for everyone and speak it as their truth. Deep down inside, they harbour the belief that there are far too many humans who take up too much space. Confusion plays a large role in how one lives and behaves in the world. When one’s external and internal views collide, we end up with anxiety, disease, stress, and fears that command us to bend to peer pressure. Say hello to Mr and Mrs Jones.

When analyzing the overused word “Connection” and how it applies to communities and businesses, we

see that humans have created many terms to define this word’s relationship. “Friends” come to mind, and social media leads the way in which people interpret. Is it a bond, affection or just some mutual interest? The popular hit TV show Friends, over its 10-year period, showed the world the many faces which represent human Connection.

The term “Mateship” also implies interests and shared experiences. Yet, it goes far beyond any definition to include mutual respect and unconditional assistance. In this culture, it functions as an intrinsic part of their “true-blue” identity. Which sadly has also transitioned over to the “me and me” trends of today. Which now consumes humans on a global scale. A non-healthy connection for the future of mankind!

SELECTED

Connection once existed like a staple diet that held human togetherness across generations via language and tradition, which in today’s world differs immensely with each new incoming generation. In our shiny new lights of progress, what did we lose? If our primary focus remains on money and the cost of survival, all is lost. Unfortunately, this includes overriding all our senses to live a dystopian existence. Are you for real? We are forever ruled by our individualized sovereign king, our one and only patented sub-conscious mindset. Change will never occur until one changes who they think they are being!

Moving further down the rabbit hole, let’s take a quick peek into the I AM Connection. I am a CEO, doctor, worker, artist, professional, actress, judge, Indian or whatever. I live in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Amsterdam. I have a BA, JP, MA, ZZ and I know Elon and Keanu. While my heart and entire being is screaming even louder. That’s not who I AM, it’s what I do.

HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF LOST IN ELUCIDATION?

Will we ever let ourselves get back to the start. It’s interesting how humans seeking to know and expand themselves by acknowledging all of humanities progressive revelations, still want to refine the wheels of past knowledge in today’s light. It’s as if we believe mixing lead with gold, we end up with more gold? Go figure!

The world observes and treats tourists as walking bags of money and gullible consumers to pickpocket. Then, it is something to discard as a lower caste human. In reality, tourists are a source that requires care, nurturing, and respect, and they must be sustained through wise practices. Humans are an incredible resource when faced with nurturing another individual, no matter who they may be and regardless of their beliefs. This is one of many examples of compassion at it’s finest.

From one Connection to the next, it’s totally opposite to how the world power holders consider all its generic creatures. Which includes you friend. If you are unsure, just observe what the global powers are doing. Digging, striping, and raping mother earth, all that is natural, all of human Nature, under false banners of being “in service for humanity.” Is it a misunderstanding or a deliberate, non-healthy attitude connection?

Quiet On The Set. Human Evolutionary Moment No: 1Q9T3B8M396,251.

DISRUPTION

Our story is always at the beginning as it’s never ending. Our human creative quest is encapsulated in a lasting legacy for survival. And so it is that “Diverse” arrived as a newborn from the Halls of Time. It didn’t take long for diversification to become a dirty word, as there is no way of controlling its ethereal existence. Powers can not allow that which can inhabit a creative space somewhere outside of their existing tyrannical boundaries.

As each of us steps closer to this changing world, much is to be considered. New ideas that once prom-

ised a better way of living have given over to questions from doubt and uncertainty to their authenticity. Was it Resilience that would hold us safe when faced with these new challenges brought on by unforeseen circumstances? Or did we hear incorrectly and misinterpret the word when, in fact, it is Resistance that was needed to keep the wolves at bay? Only time can speak of choices allowed.

INVITATION

The idea of Climate Change has ushered in the introduction of various networks. A series of change agents and group fractions for co-development, sprouting slogans like sharing is caring. Each incoming generation brings hope and activism on how to solve/fix humanity’s issues globally and locally. We have heard it all before, from as far back as the first manmade laws in 700 BC. How clever are we to keep, maintain, and allow the same continued repression to permanently exist for all these years? It’s genius at its best!

Is Connection with Nature a real thing? Our collective conglomerates with power engage planners, designers, and developers with creative ideas and smart materials, offer a pathway of hope, a collective vision, or is it their vision into the new normal? Buildings covered in plants allow us to be connected with Nature. An idea or a band-aid? Do we actually perceive and believe this as a benefit?

NATURE

Somewhere in our human development, we have convinced ourselves that nature is replaceable by virtual concepts. Sounds like a hands-on approach? Is this another form of daydreaming? Could this ever compare to when one walks through a forest or the local parks or dips one’s feet into the ocean waters as we stroll along its shore? Thankfully, nature remains a necessity and a positive soul connection until we transition as hybrids. A time, not too distant in our HUMAN LANDSCAPE, when our primary Connection will refer to one’s battery pack for survival.

Roaming the World and Reimagining the Self

By Jan Wakefield, M.A.

Montana Mosaic

A Journey Through Glacier, Family,

and Frontier Towns

Photos

The morning sun crept over the jagged peaks of Glacier National Park, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose. I stood at the trailhead of the Highline Trail, my breath visible in the crisp mountain air. The day ahead promised miles of alpine meadows, towering cliffs, and the chance to spot some of the park’s famed wildlife.

As I set out along the narrow path carved into the mountainside, the vastness of the landscape unfolded before me. To my right, the sheer rock face of the Garden Wall stretched skyward, while to my left, the valley plunged thousands of feet below, a patchwork of emerald forests and glittering lakes. The trail lived up to its reputation as one of the park’s most scenic hikes, offering panoramic views that seemed to shift with each step.

Halfway along the trail, I paused to catch my breath and take in the surroundings. A flash of movement caught my eye – a mountain goat, its white

coat stark against the dark rocks, nimbly traversed a precarious ledge. In the distance, I spotted a grizzly bear lumbering through a field of purple lupines and golden balsamroot. The wildflowers were in full bloom, carpeting the alpine meadows in a riot of color that would have made Monet envious.

As I hiked, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rich history of this land. Long before it became a national park, these mountains and valleys were home to the Blackfeet people. They called this place the “Backbone of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. The landscape feels primordial as if the very bones of the earth are jutting up through the skin of the world.

The Blackfeet have lived in this region for thousands of years, their culture and traditions deeply intertwined with the land. They believe that the mountains are sacred, home to powerful spirits, and a source of wisdom. As I walked in the shadow of these peaks, I felt a profound sense of reverence, aware that I was treading on ground that had been considered holy for generations.

Arriving at my family’s ranch felt like stepping back in time. The old wooden barn, weathered by years of Montana winters, stood as a testament to my family’s enduring connection to this land. My aunt greeted me with a warm hug, and the aroma of freshly baked huckleberry muffins wafted from the kitchen. I may not have mentioned this, but two words sum up northwest Montana: Huckleberry Everything! The next few days were filled with simple pleasures. I cut and arranged flowers with my aunt, and the work allowed my mind to wander and process the awe-inspiring experiences from my hikes, make decisions about my business back home, and generate ideas for my next book.

In the evenings, we sat on the porch or by the fire, wrapped in

blankets, sharing stories and laughter as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. My aunt’s property, nestled against a backdrop of rolling hills and directly facing an enormous mountain, was a slice of Montana paradise.

As we sat on her porch one evening, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant streaks of orange and purple, my aunt regaled me with stories of the valley’s history. She spoke of the Salish tribe, who once made their home in these fertile lowlands. The Salish were known as the “People of the Flat Heart,” a name that reflected their reputation for generosity and peaceful nature.

Whitefish Lake, MT

The Salish were expert horsemen and skilled farmers, making use of the valley’s rich soil to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Today, their descendants, along with other indigenous nations, form the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Their presence is still felt throughout the region, from place names to cultural events that celebrate their enduring heritage.

The next morning, my aunt and I explored the charming town of Whitefish, just a short drive from her ranch. As we strolled down Central Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare, I was struck by the perfect blend of Old West charm and modern amenities. Rustic log buildings housed high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants, while friendly locals greeted visitors with warm smiles and hearty hellos.

We popped into a local art gallery, where we admired paintings depicting the breathtaking landscapes I’d hiked through just days before. The artist captured the play of light on the glaciers and the subtle shifts in color as the mountains transitioned from forest to alpine tundra. In another shop, we found handcrafted jewelry inspired by traditional Native American designs, a beautiful fusion of ancient artistry and contemporary style.

For lunch, we settled into a cozy café that prided itself on using locally sourced ingredients. My bison burger came from a ranch just outside town, and the huckleberry ice cream – a Montana staple – was made with berries hand-picked in the surrounding mountains. As I savored each bite, I chatted with the owner, who shared stories of Whitefish’s transformation from a railroad town to a year-round tourist destination.

After lunch, we wandered down to the shores of Whitefish Lake. The water was a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, reflecting the surrounding mountains like a mirror. Families picnicked on the beach while paddleboarders glided across the glassy surface. In the distance, I could see the ski runs of Whitefish Mountain Resort, green and inviting in their summer guise but promising powder-filled adventures come winter.

As the day ended, I found myself reflecting on the incredible diversity of experiences Montana had offered in just a few short days. From the awe-inspiring wilderness of Glacier National Park to the warm hospitality of my aunt’s ranch and the charming blend of old and new in Whitefish, each moment had been a brushstroke in a vivid portrait of the Treasure State.

But more than just the physical beauty of the place, what struck me most was the sense of connection – to the land, to history, and to the people who call this magnificent corner of the world home. The legacy of the Blackfeet and Salish tribes is woven into the very fabric of Montana, a reminder of the deep roots and enduring spirit of this place.

As I packed my bags and prepared to leave, I knew that a piece of my heart would remain here, caught between the soaring peaks, the endless skies, and the deep love I felt for my adopted mother, my aunt, who had always been the rock in my life. Montana had worked its magic on me, as it has on countless visitors before. It’s a place that gets under your skin that calls you back again and again with the promise of new adventures and undiscovered wonders.

A lifelong traveler and educator, Jan Wakefield sees the world as a vast opportunity for expanding her understanding of the human condition. For her, travel equals transformation. Jan’s passion for travel and decades of experience as a personal transformation coach are the foundation for her international retreats, where people release who they once were and embrace who they want to be through meditation, relaxation, and a gentle return to self. In addition, Jan plans to visit all 195 countries in the world and share her experiences with readers and audiences worldwide. For more about Jan’s transformational retreats and programs, visit http://jan-wakefield.com

Photo by AdobeStock

BIOFIELD

The missing ingreient in WESTERN MEDICINE SCIENCE:

by Eric Leskowitz MD

Western medicine is the world’s only medical tradition that does not harness an invisible healing force or energy. In the East, there is prana (yoga) and qi (acupuncture, tai chi), but in the West, “energy” means a chemical like ATP. That’s because we view the body as a complex machine rather than a flowing organic web of interactions. Some medical mavericks have explored these forces, but they have not found a welcome home in Europe and America.

For example, in 1779 Paris, Franz Mesmer discovered a force that he called Animal Magnetism, and he exploited it so effectively that wealthy clients left their conventional doctors and flocked to his practice. Those doctors convinced King Louis XIV to assemble a Royal Commission, and it debunked his work via a biased testing protocol. Mesmer left Paris in disgrace, and although he’s now generally thought of as a quack, I believe he was ahead of his time.

A more recent pioneer - Sigmund Freud’s student, Wilhelm Reich –met a similar fate in America. His research focused on “orgone,” an energy that was primarily sexual in nature; its free flow engendered health (he coined the term “the sexual revolution” in the 1940s). But when he developed a device to harness this energy, he stirred up opposition - an FDA investigation led to the burning of his books and his imprisonment for non-cooperation; he died in federal prison in 1957.

These are important cautionary tales, but the tide is definitely turning as the science of the human energy field – the biofield - evolves. Early clinical research in acupunc-

ture, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki and energy psychology (EFT) have led many hospitals to endorse these forms of energy medicine. The hospital I worked at for over 25 years, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, was one of the first to introduce these measures. But, it was initially afraid of being an outlier in Boston’s conservative academic medical community. However, a 1991 grant from the NIH helped us show that homeopathy could help TBI patients; positive clinical results obtained by several MD acupuncturists led to more acceptance, a process that is also occurring in many other hospitals.

My psychiatric work with their pain management team initially focused on mind/body approaches like meditation, teaching patients to regulate their own nervous systems while tapering off pain medications. However, when I began to introduce energy-based techniques like therapeutic touch (biofield energy) and energy psychology (tapping on acupoints), several important findings about energy medicine and the biofield emerged.

Therapeutic Touch (TT) was originally designed as a nursing intervention; the nurse appears to smooth out the air surrounding her patient. Although there’s no physical contact, both the nurse and the patient can feel something in that seemingly empty space. And you can, too –place your hands out in front of you, palms facing each other, and move them closer together and further apart without actually touching. At some point, usually, about 6 inches apart, you’ll feel a pressure sensation or a tingling. It’s not just the warmth from the nearby hand, but it’s actually the outer boundary of the human magnetic field that you’re detecting.

So, the TT nurses learned how to tune into irregularities in this field and smooth them out manually, with compassionate intent, using their own biofields as the healing instrument. Ironically, this is the same maneuver that Franz Mesmer developed, called Mesmeric passes, to induce deep relaxation; it could even create surgical-level anesthesia. TT spawned a wave of research when its popularity crested in the 1980s and 1990s and was foundational in the acceptance of energy medicine in America.

I learned TT and began to use it with some of my chronic pain patients. One patient whose leg had been amputated above his knee could actually feel me smoothing out his phantom leg, and I could feel my hands touching the phantom. In other words, his biofield extended into the empty space where his physical limb used to be. I was detecting his biofield, and his phantom (his biofield) was sensing mine as well. We hope the research will validate these subjective sensations using instrumentation (because we believe machines more readily than we believe people!).

However, that research has been trickier than expected, so far limited to the study of a parallel situation in plants—the phantom leaf effect. Kirlian photography shows an electrical corona surrounding a healthy leaf that persists even when the tip of the leaf is cut off (i.e., amputated). It seems that the biofield creates the leaf rather than vice versa.

But for reasons that aren’t clear, it’s been difficult to replicate these findings, making it harder for the phenomenon of biofields to gain wider acceptance. There has also been significant media bias against these approaches, often called “pseudo-science” by authorities like Wikipedia. However, the biofield is the key to understanding energy

medicine, from the subtle anatomy of energy (acupuncture meridians, chakras, auras) to the physiology of energy’s effects on the body. The concept of a biofield also helps explain some common non-clinical experiences:

• Charisma: We can imagine that someone with a very large aura will influence others more effectively than someone with a small aura. Whether that biofield energy is generated by their own connection to a higher power or whether they’re feeding off their audience/fans/devotees as an energy vampire, the effect is similar.

• Personal space: The outer boundary of your aura is literally the edge of your personal space, and an intrusion into that biofield can be felt tangibly, even with your eyes closed, just like in the TT demo.

• Emotional contagion: This video clip shows how the heart rhythm associated with the emotion of appreciation can spread to someone nearby, even if their physical senses are shut off: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=72DtbK2EVcI\

• Team chemistry: A group of athletes whose biofields resonate with one another, like tuning forks, has good chemistry and performs better.

• Fan energy: A stadium full of fans in resonance can entrain the players (and it can be detected by computers): https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ilmWYW0F3nw

The applications and implications of the biofield are endless. Explore them further in The Mystery of Life Energy: www.TheMysteryOfLifeEnergy.com

Eric Leskowitz, M.D., is a retired Harvard Medical School-affiliated psychiatrist who practiced pain management for more than 25 years at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston.

He has published more than 50 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is the author/editor of four books, including The Mystery of Life Energy His documentary about group energies and sports, The Joy of Sox, aired nationally on PBS in 2012. He lives in Western Massachusetts.

Freedom Hair

Freedom Hair is an inspiring film that tells the story of Melody Armstrong, a woman whose journey to selfacceptance and empowerment is intricately tied to her hair. Growing up in a world where societal norms and beauty standards often conflicted with her natural hair, Melody faced numerous challenges and prejudices. As she navigates through these obstacles, she discovers the true meaning of freedom and identity, ultimately becoming a beacon of strength and confidence. This film celebrates individuality, resilience, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true self.

Directed and written by Dianne Houston

Starring by Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush,

Erica Tazel

An interview with Dianne Houston

Can you describe Freedom Hair’s central plot and how it relates to Melody Armstrong’s true story?

Simply put,  Freedom Hair’s central plot revolves around how a woman’s journey to self-liberation fuels her desire to liberate others. This mirrors Melony’s true story exactly.

What are some of the major themes explored in the film?

Freedom Hair explores how Black Women define their own beauty, and it explores the power of a self-liberated woman. The key to the movie is the David vs. Goliath theme of the passionate individual taking on the dis-compassionate government.

How does the film vividly portray Melody Armstrong’s emotional journey? What challenges does she face, and how does she bravely overcome them?

Melony is no superhero. She often doesn’t know exactly where she’s headed, but the most powerful tool in her personal arsenal is her gut belief that she’s headed in the right direction. Along the way, she faces not being believed, not being supported, and not being understood,  and she faces the monetary and energetic costs of being a Black woman challenging the state of Mississippi.

Simona Brown, who played Melody Armstrong in the film, how does the actor bring her character to life?

Well, that’s actually more of a question for Simona, but I can tell you that early in our rehearsal process, she and I worked alone together to break down Melony’s core drive into specific emotional character memories. Hard stuff to do, but she clearly aced it.

What historical and cultural contexts are crucial to fully understanding the depth of Freedom Hair?

Crucial? None. I don’t feel any good film ever needs to be “fully” understood. One need only be receptive to taking in a good story, and what may be for some familiar ground, may be for others a new experience.

What was your vision for this film?

In exploring Melony’s journey, I want to create a love song of sorts for Black Women and their hair. When I read my teenage daughter’s poem “Ode To My Hair”- I knew it had to be in this movie as it so aptly described the complex relationship we as Black Women have with our hair. The fact that her poem both opens and closes the film is fitting, in that the journey implied in the relationship with our hair is ongoing, and cross generational.

Hair will be released August 30, 2024 on-demand and in select theaters

Producers

Melony Armstrong Freedom

Dianne Houston writer-director

What impact do you think the film will have on discussions about race, identity, and self-expression?

Since Freedom Hair taps into all of those landmine areas through characters people care about, the potential for greater conversation is deep. If what I have witnessed at post-screening Q & A’s is any evidence, a lot gets stirred up.

Are there any scenes or moments in the film that have been especially impactful or memorable to viewers?

People love the homeless shelter women, and in particular, they

love the moment when Leona weeps because when Melony washes her hair, it’s the first time Leona has been touched lovingly in years.

What inspired Melody Armstrong to share her story through this film?

Ahh, that’s a question for Melony, to be sure, but knowing her as I now do, Melony is an amazingly generous woman, so it stands to reason that she would want to share her story.

It’s almost summertime, and if you have a warm season lawn (like St. Augustine, Bermuda, zoysia, or Centipede), this is the prime growing season. That also means it’s prime mowing season!

To mow your lawn less during the summer for warm season grasses like St. Augustine, bermuda, zoysia, and Centipede, consider these options: Mulch mow weekly to reduce time by 20 percent, mow and bag every other week to save 50 percent but maintain a clean look, or mulch mow every other week to save 60 percent in mowing time if a pristine appearance isn’t a priority.

Option 1: Mulch and Mow Weekly

To reduce your total mowing time by about 20 percent, eliminate the time required to stop and bag clippings. If your mower has a mulch setting, use it instead.

If your mower doesn’t have a mulch option, simply mow without bagging. This only works if you mow weekly, as leaving un-bagged clippings can create an unsightly appearance if allowed to dry and accumulate.

Option 2: Mow and Bag Every Other Week

Another option is to mow every other week and bag the clippings. This can reduce your mowing time by 50 percent, but you’ll need to bag the clippings to maintain a clean look.

The downside is that if you miss a mowing due to rain or vacation, you’ll need to remove almost twice as many leaf blades the following week. This can be problematic, as removing more than a third of the total leaf blade at once is not advisable.

If you miss mowing using this strategy, you may need to mow twice the following week, each time removing half as much, to get back to your normal mowing height.

Option 3: Mulch and Mow Every Other Week

If you’re less concerned about a pristine look and just want to keep your grass presentable, you can mulch and mow every other week. This will save you 60% in mowing time.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, it’s recommended you mow your lawn at the highest recommended height for your grass type.

To illustrate the time savings: Helpful Tip: Alter Your Fertilizer Inputs

To further reduce mowing, consider a lawn fertility program that promotes greenness without excessive leaf growth. Look for products that don’t rely heavily on nitrogen, like the Lawnifi® Summer Fertilizer Box, a liquid fertilizer that is efficient, effective, and easy to use.

How do I mow my lawn less during the summer? - To mow your lawn less during the summer for warm season grasses like St. Augustine, bermuda, zoysia, and Centipede, consider these options: Mulch mow weekly to reduce time by 20 percent, mow and bag every other week to save 50% but maintain a clean look, or mulch mow every other week to save 60% in mowing time if a pristine appearance isn’t a priority.

Ultimately, there are a variety of options to choose from to reduce mowing inputs during the hot summer months. A part of having a thriving, beautiful lawn means it will want to grow—so frequent mowing is a must. These three strategies are great options to reduce mowing inputs and time spent outside without causing any damage or harm to your lawn.

Want to learn more about achieving a great lawn? Check out more Sod University tips here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Photo by Good Days Digital

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Photo by Baran Lotfollahi

How Social Media Helps People Build Meaningful Connections

by Veronica Lin

In recent years, the social media landscape has undergone significant changes. Online apps have evolved beyond being mere digital mood boards and search tools. People are now using social media to build meaningful connections with others who share similar interests. This trend is particularly relevant in the context of the loneliness epidemic, where people are increasingly seeking ways to connect with others and build a sense of community. Social media platforms with a community focus are leading the way in facilitating these connections, providing a space for locals to share real-life experiences with like-minded individuals.

As the loneliness epidemic continues to grip society, people are turning to social media to fill the void and find a sense of community and belonging. They’re coming to social media for recommendations from other users, to share their own advice and experiences with others, and to build friendships with people who live close by and love the same restaurants, activities, or fitness classes as they do. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Playsee, 66% of Gen Zs have developed an in-person friendship with someone they initially met on social media.

Social media users are no longer interested in mindlessly scrolling aesthetic photos or videos. They’re coming to social media for personalized recommendations from other users and to share their own advice and experiences. This shift in behavior is particularly evident in community-based features on social media platforms, where users can connect and build meaningful friendships.

So, how are people using social media to build connections? The answer lies in community-based features that provide users with opportunities to interact with others they’re compat-

ible with. Social media platforms like Playsee, for instance, have taken the lead in providing users with a space to connect and engage with other local users who share the same passions. By prioritizing locality, Playsee makes it easy for users to build relationships with others who live in the same area. This can lead to meaningful connections and friendships that may not be possible on other social media platforms.

But what does this look like in real life? Imagine Emily, a foodie, joining a Playsee community dedicated to local restaurants. In this group, Emily can share her personal journey of trying new restaurants and her thoughts on each. She can provide her honest opinions about the food, service, and atmosphere of different eateries and ask for recommendations from other community members. This way, she can make informed decisions about where to dine and avoid places that don’t meet her expectations. It’s a great way to get insider tips and discover hidden gems in their local area.

This type of engagement is not limited to food-related communities. Users can find communities based on their interests, such as hobbies or local events, and users who also enjoy these activities. This is a great way to combat loneliness and build a sense of community, especially for those who may not have the opportunity to connect with others in real life.

In conclusion, social media has evolved into a platform for building meaningful connections. Platforms like Playsee are leading the charge in providing users with opportunities to connect and engage with others. As the demand for socialization on social media continues to grow, it’s clear that social media is here to stay – and it’s changing the way we connect with each other.

Veronica Lin is Head of Brand and Strategy at Playsee and leads the team to deliver one message. Growing up in Israel in a culture of perseverance and technological advancements, freeing oneself from conformity to the social norm is the path Veronica seeks.

Ancient Celts

by Ellen Evert Hopman

What a Druid Is and Is Not Gaine daughter of pure Gumor, nurse of mead loving Mide, surpassed all women though she was silent, she was learned and a seer and a chief Druid.

From The Metrical Dindsenchas

How familiar are you with Druidry? You may have yet to hear the word Druid spoken out loud. Maybe you only read about Druids in a novel or in a comic book. For most people, the word Druid conjures up a mysterious old man with a beard, working magic in the woods while living as a wise and solitary hermit.

Who Were the Druids?

In reality, Druids were both male and female members of the Nemed, or sacred, class. Being part of a caste meant most Druids were likely trained by their parents, although some went to a Druid College if they were not the children of Druids. Despite Victorian fantasies, they would not have led solitary lives as forest hermits because to be a Druid was to provide an essential tribal office. The Druids served the tribe and the ruling class as lawyers, judges, ambassadors, doctors, herbalists, ritualists, historians, genealogists, poets, and a host of other skilled functions.

Druids were the learned class of the ancient Celts, analogous to the Brahmins of India. Druids presided at divinations and sacrifices and praised the Goddesses and Gods. However, the primary task of all grades of Druids was to follow an intellectual path. Among Druids, there were specialists; it seems

unlikely that every Druid presided over every type of function. Druids did not commit their knowledge to writing; important facts were memorized and passed down orally. (The fact that important things were not written down is a great loss to us moderns. But it did help the Druids to preserve the franchise and prevent others from altering the teachings!)

Both Hindu and Celtic cultures are derived from the same proto-Indo-European roots. The caste system of the Hindus (until the Muslims in the ninth century) and the caste system of the ancient Celts were essentially the same—both were fluid; that is, one could move up or down the social ladder depending on skill and learning and depending on one’s behavior. Miscreants might find themselves demoted to the pig stye or set out to sea in a coracle without oars, banished from the tribe.

The ancient Celtic societal structure was very similar to what we still see in India today. The Druids were analogous to the Brahmins, the warriors of the Kshatriya. There was the producer class of farmers and craftsmen and the slaves who were somewhat analogous to the Hindu Sudra, the untouchables. Celtic women enjoyed rights that modern women would not see again for almost two thousand years— a woman could inherit the land, exercise rights of divorce, and claim the same parental status to a child as its father. If a female slave bore the child of the chieftain, that child had the same status as any other children of the chieftain.

A Druid could be a Sencha or historian for the tribe. They could be a Brehon, in which case they would have memorized volumes of law, making them eligible to be a lawyer, a judge, or an ambassador. A Druid could also be a Scelaige or keeper of sacred myths and epics. These myths were recited at important occasions like weddings and births and at the onset of a major journey or a battle.

The Cainte was a master of magical chants, invocations, and curses. They could banish or bless with a song. The Cruitire was a harpist who knew the magical uses of music; she was mistress of the three kinds of music: laughing music (the sound of young men at play), crying music (the sound of a woman in the travails of childbirth), and sleeping music (the sound of which would put a person to sleep).

The Druid might be a Liaig, a doctor who used surgery, herbs, and magic to heal, or a Deoghbaire, a cupbearer who knew the properties of intoxicating and hallucinogenic substances. Further specialties included the Faith, or Diviner, the Bard, who was a poet, storyteller, and singer, and the Fili, a sacred poet and diviner whose utterances were prophetic.

As Sorcerers, Druids performed feats of magic in the service of the king or queen and in the service of the tribe. One magical specialty was healing. Another was battle magic, as demonstrated in Forbhais Droma Damhghaire (The Siege of Knocklong). The following is from the Sean O’Duinn translation:

Then Mogh Roith said to Ceann Mor: “Bring me my poison-stone, my handstone, my hundred-fighter, my destruction of my enemies.” This was brought to him, and he began to praise it, and he proceeded to put a venomous spell on it.

Druids were the teachers of the sons and daughters of the nobility. It was their task to hand down from generation to generation the knowledge of sacred animals, trees, plants, stones, and all the details of the landscape, its history, and how each feature got its name, as well as the tribal laws and precedents. In contrast to village Cunning Men and Wise Women (Witches), who were counselors, midwives, magicians, herbalists, and veterinarians for the commoners, Druids advised and worked closely with the nobility.

The king or queen was a person from the warrior class who had spent their entire life learning the arts of defense and war and was then elevated to the sacred Nemed class by means of an elaborate ritual.* Druids were hereditary members of the Nemed class who had spent their lives learning the laws and rituals.

A king or queen had to have a Druid advisor by their side at all times so that they could rule according to precedent, and the stories of Arthur and Merlin are a folk memory of this relationship. The fate of the ruler hung on the ability of his or her Druid. There were dire consequences if the ruler failed to judge wisely, and they depended on their Druid advisors to recite the correct laws and precedents. The king’s justice was so important that it would determine whether strong and good-looking children would be born to the people and if the weather, crops, and animals would prosper.

There is evidence that the Druids supervised human sacrifices or possibly even offered themselves up as a sacrifice for the good of the tribe. However, there is no evidence of the type of wholesale immolation in wicker cages reported by Julius Caesar. It is well to remember that Caesar was attempting to paint the Druids in a lurid light in order to get funding from Rome to continue his military campaigns and to further his personal political ambitions. It seems likely that prisoners of war and criminals were

dispatched in much the same way as they are today after judgment and sentencing. Greek historian Diodorus Siculus states:

It’s not lawful to offer any sacrifice without a philosopher [Druid] present, for they hold that by these, as men acquainted with the nature of the deity and familiar with the gods, they ought to present their offerings, and by these ambassadors to desire such things as are good for them. These druids and bards are observed and obeyed, not only in times of peace but also in times of war, both by friends and enemies.

Druids were persecuted by the Romans and killed off in many Celtic areas because the Romans understood that Druids had freedom of movement and would carry intelligence from tribe to tribe. They also saw that Druids performed essential administrative and professional roles within the tribes, and if they could eliminate them, the tribes would collapse. However, the Romans never got to the extreme north of Caledonia (Scotland), nor did they invade Ireland. As a result, the Druids and their teachings persisted for many centuries. The Bards were long able to continue to disseminate Druid teachings via story and song.

*We have at least part of that ritual preserved in the Audacht Morainn (Testament of Morann), where a Druid gives advice to a young king. The Fergus Kelly translation is available online in English.

Ellen Evert Hopman is a Master Herbalist and lay homeopath who has been a Druidic initiate since 1984.

She is a founding member and former co-Chief of the Order of the White Oak, the Archdruidess Emerita and founder of Tribe of the Oak, and a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages. She is the author of several books, including The Sacred Herbs of Samhain and Once Around the Sun She lives in Massachusetts. elleneverthopman.com

Blueberries! Celebrate Summer with the Power of

by Grace O

When it comes to small but mighty summer fruits, blueberries stand out. Is there anything simpler and more delicious? Enjoy them by the handful or add them to smoothies, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, pancakes, desserts—you name it!

Grace O, the visionary founder behind FoodTrients, champions the idea of food as medicine, sharing information on how food can help us age better and live healthier lives. This month, Grace focuses on the health benefits of blueberries.

Reflecting on her roots, Grace shares that “growing up in the Philippines, blueberries were a rare treat, so I appreciate the abundance of fresh berries available here in California. Native to North America and now widely cultivated in Chile and New Zealand, blueberries are an undisputed ‘superfood.’ They are high on any list of foods that benefit your body and mind!”

Lower Blood Pressure

Maintaining a low sodium diet goes a long way to lowering blood pressure. Blueberries contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.

So, what can these little blue wonders do for you? They offer:

Brain Food

Compounds in blueberries called polyphenols help maintain signals between neurons in the brain. Maintaining those signals helps with memory, especially as we age. Animal studies have shown that daily consumption of blueberries can slow impairments in coordination and motor function associated with aging.

Antioxidant-Rich

Compounds like anthocyanin, a flavonoid that is responsible for giving foods like blueberries, cranberries, and red cabbage their deep hues, are plentiful in blueberries. By now, you’ve probably heard that these are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to many killer diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Maintain Healthy Bones

Blueberries contain good amounts of iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K, which all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Adequate vitamin K intake improves calcium absorption and may reduce calcium loss.

Boost Cardiac Health

According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, regular consumption of anthocyanins, which are plentiful in blueberries, can reduce the risk of heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women. Blueberries’ fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content all support heart health. Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine, which can damage blood vessels.

Fight Wrinkles

Just one cup of blueberries provides 24% of your daily need for vitamin C. Collagen, the skin’s support system, relies on vitamin C to help prevent and repair damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. Vitamin C also promotes collagen’s ability to smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

Blueberry Upside-Down Cake Serves 10–12

Aside from their superfood status, blueberries are delicious and versatile. This mouth-watering Blueberry Upside-Down Cake recipe is from my book, The Age Beautifully Cookbook. I’ve used blueberries in this version, but you can also use any seasonal summer fruit, including plums, pears, apples, peaches, mangoes, and cherries. You can also use all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free. This cake can be served warm or cool.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

½ cup light-brown sugar

2 cups fresh blueberries or other seasonal fruit

1 cup gluten-free or regular baking flour

½ cup almond flour

½ cup coconut flour

1 Tbs. baking powder

1 tsp. salt or salt substitute

1½ cups Xylitol or sugar

1 cup cubed and slightly softened unsalted butter

2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 large eggs (organic, free-range, or Omega-3-enriched), separated

¾ cup plain yogurt

(The Eden Magazine suggests substituting vegan butter or yogurt or avocado oil instead)

Procedure

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Make the topping: In a saucepan or 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, stir, and cook for 2–3 minutes or until well mixed.

Pour the mixture into a 10-inch round cake pan (or leave in a skillet if oven-proof) and spread evenly with a spatula. Lay the fresh fruit over the mixture evenly and set the pan aside.

Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flours, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the xylitol or sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Blend in the eggs one at a time. Gradually add the flour mixture and blend thoroughly. Slowly fold in the yogurt.

Spoon the batter evenly over the fruit in the pan and bake on the middle oven rack at 350 degrees for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife along the inside edge of the cake pan while it is still warm to loosen it. Cover the cake pan with a plate or large tray and turn it upside-down to invert the cake onto the plate.

Chef’s Note:  If you’re using another type of fruit, be sure to peel, slice, and de-seed it if needed. The slices should be about ¼-inch thick.

About FoodTrients

FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger. For more information and recipes, visit www.FoodTrients.com.

Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook:  The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life; The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-awardwinning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.

Extend the gentleness of your heart to the majestic elephant, for in its grace lies a reminder of the beauty of compassion